Annex 7 (contd)

Annex 7

CHAPTER 8.14.INFECTION WITH RABIES VIRUS

[...]

Article 8.14.6bis.

Recommendations for importation of dogs from countries or zones infected with rabies virus 

*Veterinary Authorities* should require the presentation of an *international veterinary certificate* complying with the model of Chapter 5.11. attesting that the dogs: 

1)showed no clinical signs of rabies the day prior to or on the day of shipment; 

2)were permanently identified and their identification ~~number~~code stated in the certificate; 

3)and either: 

a)were vaccinated or revaccinated in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer, with a vaccine that was produced in accordance with the *Terrestrial Manual* and were subjected, not less than 30 days and not more than 12 months prior to shipment, to an antibody titration test as prescribed in the *Terrestrial Manual* with a positive result of at least 0.5 IU/ml;

or 

b)were kept in a *quarantine station* for six months prior to shipment.

Article 8.14.7.

Recommendations for importation of~~dogs~~, cats and ferrets from countries or zones infected with rabies virus

*Veterinary Authorities* should require the presentation of an *international veterinary certificate* complying with the model of Chapter 5.11. attesting that the animals:

1)	showed no clinical signs of rabies the day prior to or on the day of shipment;

2)	were permanently identified and their identification ~~number~~code stated in the certificate;

3)	and either:

a)	were vaccinated or revaccinated in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer, with a vaccine that was produced in accordance with the *Terrestrial Manual* and were subjected not less than 3 months and not more than 12 months prior to shipment to an antibody titration test as prescribed in the *Terrestrial Manual* with a positive result of at least 0.5 IU/ml; 

or

b)	were kept in a *quarantine station* for six months prior to shipment.

Article 8.14.11bis.

Recommendations for dog-mediated rabies vaccination programmes

When developing and implementing *vaccination* programmes for dog-mediated rabies, in addition to provisions in Chapter 4.18., Member Countries should:

1.Prepare for the *vaccination*programme:

a)consult with all relevant stakeholders, including target communities to define the most appropriate time to increase community participation and reduce the time required to complete *vaccination*;

b)ensure safety of vaccination teams including training in humane dog capture and handling, and a strategy to manage exposure to suspect rabid animals.

2.Choose a vaccine and the *vaccination* strategy:

a)Priority should be given to vaccinating *free-roaming dogs*, including puppies, to immediately interrupt the rabies virus transmission cycle. 

b)*Vaccination* campaigns should be conducted recurrently (usually annually). More regular *vaccination* campaigns may be considered in especially high-risk areas, or to quickly interrupt the cycle of virus transmission.

c)The *vaccination* strategy should take into account simultaneous dog population management programmes as described in Chapter 7.7.

3.Monitor the *vaccination* programme:

a)To monitor the *vaccination* coverage, vaccinated dogs should be identified and registered in ~~a database~~ an *animal identification system*.

b)*Vaccination* certificates which state identification of the dog should be provided to dog owners as proof of *vaccination*.

c)*Vaccination* coverage should be monitored at the smallest administrative level possible.

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*WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission/September 2022*1

*WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission/September 2022*1